Horse Hair Analysis® is the most useful problem solving approach in my practice.
This program allows me to resolve health issues when conventional diagnostics fail to find an answer.
148YOUTH Top Ten Guidelines For Success At Youth Nationals … with Scott Benjamin
150YOUTH Youth National Trainers … When They Were “Young”-er
152YOUTH Equine Careers
153YOUTH
154YOUTH
160YOUTH
200YOUTH
Owner/Publisher
Lara Ames
Managing Editor
Charlene Deyle
Production Manager
Melissa Pasicznyk
Advertising Account Executive
Lesley Blain Mazur
Contributing Editor
Mary Kirkman
Contributing Writers
Scott Benjamin
Braden Davidsen
Ally Edwards
Caitlin Pigott
Colleen Scott
Contributing Designers
Danielle Crawford
Braden Davidsen
Martha Hartley
Jaime Johnson
Emily Maita
Cat McKenna
Brandy Phillips
Riyan Rivero
Ashley Toye
Jenn Trickey
AHT Abroad Director of Creative & Operational Development
Mieke Opsteyn
Show Operations & Digital Support
Meaghan Estes
Sales Coordinator & Accounts Receivable
Deb Trebesch
and
and
Subscription in U.S. $85 per year, $145 two years, $205 three years. Canada $135 one year, $255 two years, $345 three years, U.S. funds. Foreign Subscriptions: $195 one year, $325 two years, $385 three years, payable in advance, U.S. funds. Sorry, no refunds on subscription orders. For subscription and change of address, please send old address as printed on last label. Please allow four to six weeks for your first subscription to be shipped.
Occasionally ARABIAN HORSE TIMES makes its mailing list available to other organizations. If you prefer not to receive these mailings, please write to ARABIAN HORSE TIMES, Editorial Offices, P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographic materials.
Printed in U.S.A. • POSTMASTER: Please send returns and address changes to Arabian Horse Times, P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352. For subscription information, call 952-492-3213. ArAbiAn Horse Times P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352 Fax: 952-492-3228 www.ahtimes.com
COMMENTS from the publisher
WHAT WE CAN DO (THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING)
Anyone who’s scanned my columns knows that I’m concerned for the future of the Arabian horse. I’m not alone in this worry (most of you probably share it), but we all know that building a future that is full of interest and opportunity for our horses is a challenge.
Let’s cut to the chase. We can filter out bad scenarios for the years to come. We need to grow our base, and the best known way to make people fall in love with Arabian horses is to let the horses do the work. Introduce people to Arabians, and nine times out of 10, a bond is formed. It’s even easier when the newcomers are kids—and youth is absolutely key to our future.
For that reason, many of us point to lesson programs as one of the best ways for newbies, both young and old, to develop that “I can’t do without them” relationship. However, not everyone in our community has a farm or a riding program. In fact, most people board their horses with trainers or at someone else’s facility. And to be honest, starting a lesson program is a sizeable step for some barns. Sure, it will bring in more business long-term, but it is one more investment to make on a budget that is often tight to begin with.
So, how about we consider connecting the dots? If you are an Arabian owner who does not own your own farm, would you consider donating horses you’re not riding to a local lesson program? Or asking friends who own horses to do that? You can give your horse a new role in life by donating, or if you want to keep it but wouldn’t mind lightening your payroll for a while, lease or lend it. If you’d like to sell, you also could see if instructors have an enthusiastic young rider who might like to own their own (reasonably priced) first horse. If there are no lesson programs in your area but someone is willing to start one, perhaps you might think about how you might support them?
Let’s open our minds to what we, as individuals, no matter our involvement, can do in securing a thriving future for the Arabian breed.
There is no doubt that every moment spent with family is extra special to the Popplewells, so combining the love of family and the love of the Arabian horse made for one very special horse show to remember.
Cedar Sakundiak, granddaughter of Murray and Shirley Popplewell, daughter of proud parents Amanda and Kipp, and sister to Lola, is very comfortable when it comes to being around horses. Surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful Arabian horses and the most supportive family encouraging her every step of the way, her very rst outing into Arabian halter competition culminated in many wins including a Reserve Championship with RD Halyra in Senior Mares 5 Years & Older ATH which subsequently ranked Cedar amongst the Top 5 winningest amateur halter handlers of the 2024 Arabian Breeders World Cup show!
“I love sharing the passion of the horses with my grandchildren,” smiles Shirley Popplewell as she re ects on so many wonderful moments shared together with the family. “There is just something extra special to raise these beautiful Arabian horses and then get to enjoy them together with my family,” she says. “The show ring evokes a lot of emotion and competition, that’s true, but just as meaningful are the hours spent together in the barn and ‘horsing around.’” Murray shares her excitement. “Cedar’s a natural. We love to have our family visit us during the winter when we are in Scottsdale, so when the idea came up for her to try her hand showing, we thought what better way than the World Cup – it’s a beautiful show.”
We had a moment to sit down with Cedar and learn more about her involvement with her family’s Arabian horse farm, and of her recent showing at the 2024 Arabian Breeders World Cup:
SHARE WITH US THE PLANNING AND PREPARATION THAT LEAD UP TO YOU SHOWING AT THE WORLD CUP SHOW?
There was lots of preparation for the World Cup. We arrived a month before and I went out to the barn every day from Monday to Friday to work with the three horses that I was to show.
Alcides and I would work with the horses for at least 30 minutes a day. We practiced things that would help me understand the show experience. He did a great job preparing me as a beginner.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE WORLD CUP SHOW?
Honestly, everything! It was such a great experience and I had loads of fun. For my first time I was taken aback how everyone was so friendly and encouraging. If I would pick one part to repeat over and over, it would be running into to the show ring with a horse. I had such a great time, it’s so exciting, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
AFTER YOUR TREMENDOUS SUCCESS AT THE WORLD CUP, YOU ARE A NATURAL! WHAT ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS YOU CAN OFFER TO OTHER YOUTH HANDLERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO TRY SHOWING ARABIAN HORSES IN-HAND?
Oh my, I don’t feel I know much, but possibly that is what helped me. I focused on three things: 1). Connecting with my horse. When they understand you, it makes it easier for the two of you. 2). Having fun! When you don’t over-think it, there is so much freedom to have fun and it makes the experience better. 3). Believe in yourself. It gives you confidence to head out there and give it the absolute best you can!
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE HORSES WITH YOUR GRANDPARENTS NOT ONLY IN SASKATOON BUT ALSO AT THE RAEDAWN FARM IN SCOTTSDALE?
It is always absolutely amazing. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved spending time with my grandparents in the barn, especially in Scottsdale because it’s a beautiful facility. It is a happy place for me! I also love spending time in Saskatoon where I do my riding with Grandma.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOME OF YOUR SPECIAL MEMORIES OF COMPETING AT THE WORLD CUP?
Where do I start... Of course, one of my favorites would be winning reserve champion with RD Halyra. She is an incredible horse to show. Another memory was watching Grandpa show and win champion with RD Attika. I always love watching my grandparents show. They are always smiling and see the best in things! My final special memory was the cheering section; my family and friends who made the effort to watch and support me. I learned from the other side, just how good that feels.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST FAVORITE ACTIVITIES YOU LIKE TO ENJOY DOING WITH YOUR MARE RD AMBRYELLE?
Everything I do with RD Ambryelle is all so much fun. From the moment I arrive at the barn, I enjoy it all. However, I enjoy jumping and trail riding the most. We set up a small course in the arena and it is loads of fun to jump and challenge my horse. I would put trail riding as my number one thing to do. I enjoy it so much because it is never the same. You can take a different path each time, and I especially love it when my grandma and cousin ride along with me.
IT’S PROBABLY NOT EASY TO DECIDE, BUT WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE HORSE TO SHOW? AND CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE YOU SHOWING IN THE FUTURE?
Oh boy... why did you throw this question at me? haha. I really enjoyed all of the horses that I showed. I loved how each one was different and unique in their own ways and how I had to learn to work with them all individually. If I were to pick one out of the three horses to show again, I think it would be RD Halyra. She was such an awesome horse to show because she is experienced. It is always easier to work with a horse that is mature and knows what they are doing. I look forward to showing lots in the future. I hope to show one day at the Scottsdale show, as well as Canada’s Nationals!
Cedar with RD Halyra along with friends and family ~ 2024 ABWC Reserve Champions!
Cedar & RD Rhafiella
Celebrating a wonderful World Cup Show for Rae-Dawn Arabians
Cedar with Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Murray
A Program for Newcomers... REGARDLESS
OF AGE
The Keystone Riding Initiative is a newly developed program managed by the Keystone Arabian Experience Committee*. This initiative is structured to introduce newcomers to Arabians and Half-Arabians through its support of riding and horsemanship programs, as well as providing aid to beginner riders interested in pursuing lessons and horsemanship courses at riding facilities that use Arabians and Half-Arabians in their education programs.
The program’s mission is to provide an experience with Arabian horses to all those that have interest, regardless of their nancial status or age. The program grants aid directly to Arabian and/or Half-Arabian lesson programs, providing up to $400 per individual applicant applying as rst-time/beginner horse persons in need of veri ed nancial aid. Aid is supplied directly to the Arabian or Half-Arabian lesson program, horsemanship course, or camp for the applicant.
The purpose of this essential aid is to provide newcomers the opportunity to thoroughly experience the connection, a nity, versatility and intelligence of the Arabian and/or Half-Arabian breeds, in addition to the horsemanship and valuable lessons learned through riding. Each grant should fund between 4 to 6 lessons (depending upon the program) delivering a true immersive experience with the Arabian horse.
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR KEYSTONE RIDING INITIATIVE AID:
• Applicants must complete all areas of the online application
• Applications and lessons programs will be reviewed and considered by designated Keystone Committee Members to determine eligibility and designated aid
• Application process may include brief interview of applicant
• All aid will be sent directly by the Arabian Horse Promotional Fund to the approved riding academy or lesson program on the applicant’s behalf
• Riding academies and/or programs also have the ability to apply for aid on behalf of a current student showing exceptional horsemanship, enthusiasm and admiration for the Arabian breed that is in need of nancial assistance
• Annual funds for the Keystone Riding Initiative are determined through independent fundraising of the Keystone Arabian Horse Experience Committee
*The Keystone Arabian Experience Committee includes Jenn Trickey, Mary Trowbridge, Danielle Contarino, Mike Wilson, John Rannenberg, Rob Bick, Brea Kratzert, Scott Benjamin and Jaime Johnson. This Committee is responsible for organizing and hosting the Keystone Charity Arabian Horse Experience Event, and supporting various Keystone Arabian Experience Barn events, all initiatives operating under the banner of the Arabian Horse Promotional Fund.
photo by Meaghan Estes
photo by Indira Van Handel
photo by Jenn Trickey
BLACK DANIELS
BREEDING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF EQUESTRIANS
(IXL Noble Express x Victoria Bay)
(VJ Royal Heir x Joleen WB)
DOWNTOWN DANCER LE
(Black Daniels x Solitairey Dancer by Lord Charles of Seven Oaks)
MIS DANIELLA LE
(Black Daniels x Mis Superior by Afire Bey V)
ARABELLA LE
(Royal Nobility x SA Adriana by H Mobility H)
HOLLY MARSHALL LE
(Royal Nobility x Lady Hazel by Sir William Robert)
Rhythmic AHSA is the newest addition to the powerful stallion line-up at Landon Equestrian.
Rhythmic is a 93% Crabbet stallion imported from Australia in 2020 by Tim and Marty Shea. Landon Equestrian also acquired Rhythmic’s dam, Solitairey Dancer AHSA, who produced the stunning 2024 filly Downtown Dancer LE sired by Black Daniels.
Contact Brooke Landon for breeding information to the Landon Equestrian stallions or for inquiries on the Landon-bred foals.
RHYTHMIC AHSA
(Robali Dargeeling AHSA x Solitairey Dancer AHSA)
MIS SELENA LE
(Rhythmic AHSA x Mis Superior by Afire Bey V)
ANAKIN LE
(Mamage x SA Adriana by H Mobility H)
On the Cover:
Brooke Landon NOT YOUR TYPICAL TEENAGER
by CAITLIN PIGOTT
Brooke Landon is not your typical teenager. Brooke Landon is also not your typical Arabian horse competitor or breeder. The opening line to this piece is the first and last time her age will be mentioned, because her knowledge of the breed and strategy behind how she plans to leave her mark, makes the number of laps she’s taken around the sun irrelevant. Landon is solely dedicated to her family business, Landon Equestrian. She shows an impressive string of horses but admits the bulk of her passion is driven by breeding English Arabians and Half-Arabians.
Landon, along with the help of her family and mentors, has created a system that she thinks will change the Arabian breed for the better. Entering the industry at the age she did, most young kids are
only focused on learning how to be the best competitor they can. From day one, Landon has been obsessive about lineage – using her analytical brain to learn all she could about generations of horses.
In line with the Youth Nationals theme “The Magic in You,” Landon was asked what she thought her personal magic was. She felt it was embracing the Arabian breed and helping the breed become the best it can be.
“She wants to breed, not ust be in the horses for the fun,” Landon’s trainer Jim Lowe said. “ rooke is going to be around for a while. She has a true passion for raising horses.”
Lowe Show Horse Centre operates out of the Landon Equestrian facility. Lowe has a front row seat to watch Landon interact with the horses and babies daily. He talks a lot about the bonds he witnesses Landon grow with the horses. Although her heart lies in the breeding aspect of the industry, she loves getting to show and compete at the highest of levels, like the upcoming Youth National Championships.
ALWAYS A LESSON NEVER A FAILURE
At the upcoming Youth National Championships, Landon will be showing Layla RTA in Arabian English leasure Choice JTR and Arabian ark Horse JTR Royal Nobility (Harry) in Arabian English leasure J TR - and JTR, as well as Arabian leasure riving JT and La ella ita in Arabian Country English leasure JTR Choice, Arabian English leasure JTR - , and Arabian Country leasure riving.
This will be Landon’s fourth time competing at the Youth Nationals, where she has already won one national championship and seven reserve national championships in years prior. Five of her national titles have been with Harry (pictured on the back cover). Landon is excited to show her horses on the biggest stage of the year.
It has not been many years since Landon was a first-time competitor, but she still has wise words to share with newer youth riders. Her advice shows that her mature wisdom applies to both her perspective on breeding and showing.
RHYTHMIC ASHA
“Remember to breathe,” she simply states. “Not making the cut, getting the gate or not reaching the pinnacle of showing you had hoped for yourself is always a lesson and never a failure. You will take those experiences to your next classes. It takes years to develop a rider and a show horse.”
Landon eagerly waits for the day that she can show some of the stock she created for her breeding program and the industry. In her own words, these horses are her financial and intellectual investments, so she is excited to marry her two worlds and showcase these foals in the future. She considers these horses her brand. With the mentors in her life and goals she has for herself, this will be a meaningful feat for her and for the industry.
In the saddle, she looks up to a very familiar name: Sophie Yih. Landon talked a lot about their friendship and adopting Yih’s practice of watching back all footage of her lessons and performances – the “good” and the “bad.” Landon takes the same care and attention she has to breeding lineages as she does to her own riding success. She does not cut corners in anything she is invested in. Landon spends as much of her days possible in the barn and around the horses – honing all the key components of being a successful rider and breeder.
Landon says that she also leans on some of the greats like Tim and Marty Shea and Ray LaCroix for other things as well. With a breeding empire like Shea Stables and Maroon Fire Arabians, the
Sheas have become mentors to Landon when it comes to reproducing techniques, along with some training principles. And LaCroix and Landon bond often over being “bloodline buffs.”
BREEDING: NO RISKS, NO REWARD
With all her time researching and trying different crosses, Landon feels that is what the industry needs more of: diversity of bloodlines. “Just because something has been done for years, doesn’t mean it’s the only way to do it,” she said with confidence. A real concern of the young breeder (especially considering the decline of competition numbers), is that the breed will run out of fresh bloodlines to create new crosses. That is why Landon has taken such thoughtful time with the stallions she has purchased, purchasing imported breeding stallions and mares on more than one occasion.
Rhythmic AHSA (pictured on the front cover) was imported from Australia by Landon’s mentors and inspirations, Tim and Marty Shea. Landon purchased this young stallion and is excited about his potential. She specifically points out how his bloodlines can help conformational correctness (legs and feet, especially) and motion from the hind end. In her experience thus far, she really feels this horse is bringing something special to the mares he is bred to, producing quality babies.
Even from a young age, Landon has entered the conversations about breeding and improving the Arabian breed. She is not afraid to give her opinion and encourages others to do the same.
“I hope people have the courage to take a risk in breeding,” Landon said.
Many of her moves so far have been “out of the box,” including importing Friesan stallion Thomas with the intention of creating a new wave of English horses. Landon is not afraid of taking a risk, because she feels her risks are well-thought out and planned. No risk, no reward, and Landon feels the rewards of her risk will be plentiful.
LANDON EQUESTRIAN
The most encouraging part of Landon’s tenacity is that it is not selfish. This young breeder has a vision for making the breed better. She is not only interested in creating great horses for her to show, breed and sell. Her analysis has led her to a hole in the Arabian industry that she has made her life work to fill. She is going to great lengths (like, across oceans) to do her part for the horses she has fallen in love with.
She wants her stallions to be attainable for any level of breeder and for her farm to be a place where people feel comfortable spending time. Landon keeps the stud fees low and drops her stallion’s stud fees so breeders of all levels can use them. And people who pay a visit to the central California farm can expect to be met with quality hospitality and kindness.
With some current concerns in the breed, the Arabian horse industry will be thankful that Landon is here testing some sure-fire principles with a new twist.▪
“Not making the cut, getting the gate or not reaching the pinnacle of showing you had hoped for yourself is always a lesson and never a failure. You will take those experiences to your next classes. It takes years to develop a rider and a show horse.”
~Brooke Landon
RYLEE ZELL & NOBLE HEIRR
ALEXIS PETERSON & PA MONTEREY ALWAYS AND RGT FIREBALL WHISKEY
PROUDLY PRESENTS:
In her final year of Walk/Jog.
Determined to dominate Walk/Trot.
Patiently waiting to take on her sisters.
Trained by Bob & Katie Hart | Stabled at Vallejo III Inc. | Afton, OK
Lyla Diver
Alice Diver Evelyn Diver
Alice Diver
SH Smoke N’ Sparks
HA Short Stirrup Reining
HA Ranch Horse Rail Pleasure
Walk/Trot
Shiloh
Arabian Western Pleasure
Walk/Jog
Jullyen V
Arabian Western Equitation
Walk/Jog
Sahara Jewel V
Arabian Western Pleasure Walk/Jog
Arabian Western Equitation Walk/Jog
“Hard work pays off in life...and at the barn.” -Alice, Age 10
AmayzingMoon
Arabian Hunter Pleasure
Walk/Trot
Arabian Hunter Seat Equitation
Walk/Trot
Lyla Diver
Goldd Streak
HA Hunter Pleasure
Walk/Trot
HA Hunter Seat Equitation
Walk/Trot
“My favorite days are barn days.” -Lyla, Age 8
EvelynROLDiver What An Angel
Arabian Hunter Pleasure Walk/Jog
Arabian Hunter Equitation Walk/Jog
And, if Evelyn has anything to do with it, Future Arabian Hunter Jumper.
“Now that I have my own horse, I’m going to beat my sisters.” -Evelyn, Age 6
Believe magic INYOUROWN
YOUTH NATIONAL & HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES!
Guidelines For Success With Your Horse Partner...
What Was True In 2014, Still Applies Today
by SCOTT BENJAMIN, 2014 Youth Nationals Judge
10. Envision your winning performance. Fortune favors the prepared! Ride to win. The judges are looking for the best performance each and every time in every class—from elimination to final.
9. Do not override your horse. No matter how talented your horse may be, your performance needs to reflect one suitable for a youth exhibitor. Be careful not to overtire your horse in the first few days if you have several classes and/or divisions in which to ride during the week.
8. Use the arena to your advantage. Know where you need to go and what you need to do to show your horse to its greatest advantage. Be aware of your surroundings and position your horse to be seen at its best advantage. Avoid congestion, pitfalls in the ring and problem horses. DO NOT run over the judge in an attempt to be seen. We cannot pin you if we are injured/ maimed, knocked unconscious or worse!
7. In equitation and showmanship, please remember to demonstrate superior horsemanship. While we are indeed judging the person’s performance, your demonstration of skill is directly related to your ability to get your horse to perform at its very best. Know your pattern! Help us reward your skill and preparation by executing a well rehearsed precise pattern. Silly questions in the line-up are unnecessary.
6. Know the class specifications and execute them accordingly. All horses, regardless of discipline, will be expected to walk—four-beat, flat-footed, possibly for an extended period of time. These are pleasure classes with performances suitable for a youth exhibitor.
5. Correct your mistakes (which are inevitable) quickly, efficiently and smoothly with minimal drama and fuss. A mistake-free performance is not a requirement to win in any class, so keep riding and stay focused.
4. Concentrate on your performance. What everyone else is doing—as long as no interference is caused by, or to you—is none of your business. Don’t look around and get intimidated. Leave the judging to the judges. Get in, get busy and get the job done!
3. Showboating is unnecessary. When the line-up is called, strike your best trot down the rail and cruise into line. The class is finished and the judges have already made up their minds. Impress us by lining up with style!
2. Enjoy the moment. Reflect on the journey both you and your horse have made to get to this point—to Youth Nationals—and savor every sweet morsel of that achievement.
1. Have fun! This is your time to shine. Make it the ride/performance of your life!
YOUTH
ofiles
SENIOR & YOUTH NATIONAL GRADUATES
Age: 18 | Walnut, IL
Liberty Meadows Training Center / Randy
Sullivan Training Center / John White Stables
Horses: Nuttin But Chrome ~ SimplyIrrestible RK
Steel The Gold ~ Super Nova PR Saddle Seat, Eq., Western & Performance Halter
Horse Partner Thanks For giving their all and always trusting me.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dog, Tessa.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait They are full of personality.
After Graduation Plans
Attending Colorado State and majoring in Equine Science. New Rider Advice
Don’t be afraid to try other disciplines! Thank you … to my parents, family, and the trainers that have got me to this point
Age: 18 | Rogers, MN
Dan McConaughey
Horse: Purple Heys PCP+/ Hunter Pleasure
Dream Vacation
Belgium, it is so pretty!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
PA Milao Kid and Mala Levin
Favorite YN Memory
My 2020 Western Pleasure Side Saddle class with Pistalero WLF.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Swimming and hiking
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Pesto Pasta
5-Year Hope Happy
Trainer Advice
Make good choices as I enter the ring.
Horse Partner Thanks Taking care of me when I make a mistake.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My Golden Retriever, Brady.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their try.
After Graduation Plans
Going to North Dakota State to study Business. New Rider Advice
Always stay calm and ride what you have. Thank you … Mom, for always being there and for supporting me.
Age: 19 | Scottsdale, AZ
Lucho Guimaraes Arabians
Horses: JR Saleem ~ Lexxus NS
Truly Madly Deeply Halter
Dream Vacation Rome, Italy
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Lucho Guimaraes and Kavalle MI
Favorite YN Memory
Winning JTH and JOTH with my mare, Lexxus NS
Favorite Non-Horse Activity
Helping out at dogs shows!
5-Year Hope
I hope to be a halter trainer and take over my dad’s business.
Trainer Advice
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
Horse Partner Thanks Thank you for being my best companion in the ring.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait
How charismatic they are.
After Graduation Plans
Going to college to study Forensic Psychology. New Rider Advice
It’s ok to be nervous; we all get like that. Thank you … to my parents; I wouldn’t be here without you.
SENIOR & YOUTH NATIONAL GRADUATES
HANNAH JAMESELLAWYNN KIESNER CECILIA LIND
Age: 17 | Temecula, CA
KRE Show Horses
Horse: ROL Cygn Here+++// Hunter Pleasure, Dressage, Sport Horse Under Saddle & In-Hand
Dream Vacation
Africa and/or the Maldives.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Any of my barn mates and their horses!
Favorite YN Memory
Hanging with friends, laughing, eating too much food, and watching classes.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Volunteer with the special needs community.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
Spaghetti my mamma makes.
5-Year Hope
Working as a nurse, happy, healthy and financially stable-ish.
Trainer Advice
No matter how many are in a class, ride your best!
Horse Partner Thanks For being there for me when I needed it the most.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dog, Gary!
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their sassy personality!
After Graduation Plans
Attend Grand Canyon University for Nursing. New Rider Advice
If you relax, your horse will relax. Thank you … to my amazing trainer, parents, brother and fantastic barn family for everything!
Age: 18 | TN Kiesner Training Costume, Country & Equitation
The
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Alexa Cohn and The Heiristocratt
Favorite YN Memory
Watching my sister in equitation.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity CYCLEBAR
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
When my dad makes pizza.
5-Year Hope
In New York doing an internship/grad school.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Vienna, my Doberman angel.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their intelligence and personality.
After Graduation Plans
Attending college at Loyola Marymount in LA. New Rider Advice
Just focus on you and have fun! Thank you … to my parents who never stop pushing and encouraging me.
Age: 18 | Grosse Ile, MI
Signature Oak Stables
Horse: HS Majestic Hunter Pleasure
Dream Vacation Italy
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Kayleigh Meyer on my horse Mikey.
Favorite YN Memory
Winning my first Youth National Championship when I was 10.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Weightlifting
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
My mom’s homemade vodka pasta.
5-Year Hope In medical school.
Trainer Advice
Go be a hunter princess.
Horse Partner Thanks Helping me accomplish all of my dreams.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Sea Turtle
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their personality.
New Rider Advice
Always remember to have fun!
Thank you … to my parents for always supporting me and the Sig Oaks team.
Dream Vacation
French Riviera
SENIOR & YOUTH NATIONAL GRADUATES
Age: 19 | Miami, FL
Vicki Humphrey Training Center
Horses: Willa Jean BF ~ Shocked and Bewildered VH English, Country & Equitation
Dream Vacation
Everywhere! I want to travel the world.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Rhein Standish and Barcelona. They are electric!
Favorite YN Memory
Showing Minnievan in H/A English Walk/Trot my first year of Youth Nationals.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Weight training and hot Pilates.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Sunday Sauce, my family’s red sauce pasta dish.
5-Year Hope
Working a full-time job in Miami, and riding and showing my horses.
Trainer Advice
Above all else, smile and have fun in the ring.
Horse Partner Thanks For never failing to make me the happiest girl.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Baci, my Labradoodle.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their expression and unique personalities.
New Rider Advice Cherish every moment, both the good and the bad.
Thank you … to my parents, Christy, Vicki, and Jessie, for making my dreams come true.
Age: 18 | TX
Whistlejacket Farm / The Brass Ring
Horses: OH Piazza ~ House of Blues BF ~ Southern Charm SF ~ Miss Central Park ~ Wild Hearts CA ~ Truli A Prince ~ EAF Hesa On Time Hunter, Country, Western, Equitation, Park, Reining
Dream Vacation
A tour around Europe!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Juliette Dell and Nutcracker Sweet!
Favorite YN Memory
Any memories from Youth in Albuquerque.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Hanging out with friends!
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Anytime my brother grills!
5-Year Hope Happy (and still riding)!
Trainer Advice Never stop riding your ride/class.
Horse Partner Thanks Anything and everything.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs and cats.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their character and will to please.
After Graduation Plans
Attend Junior college in California. New Rider Advice Take a deep breath and remember to have fun!
Thank you … to every single person (& horse) who has helped make me the rider I am today.
Age: 18 | Temecula, CA
KRE Show Horses
Horse: Green Acres Acclaim Showmanship & Western Dressage
Dream Vacation Ireland
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Saritah Sinha and Cairo
Favorite YN Memory
Winning the dog costume class in 2023 with my barn friends!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Baking and online shopping.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Chicken Alfredo
5-Year Hope Educated, happy and healthy!
Horse Partner Thanks His people-pleaser personality! He’s so lovable.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait They’re beautiful and they know it.
After Graduation Plans
Attending UC San Diego for Human Biology.
New Rider Advice
Stick with it! It gets hard but it’s so rewarding. Thank you … to my parents. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. Love you lots!
HARPER PATILLO ROSEEMILY SAKAMOTO
Age: 18 | CA
Stachowski Farm
Horses: Labor of Love ~ Imperial Heir Country, Driving & Native Costume
Dream Vacation
Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
My friend Sophie Yih and Heritage TRGR
Favorite YN Memory
Riding around in golf carts in Albuquerque for water balloon fights.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity
Reading … lots and lots of reading.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Spaghetti and handmade meatballs.
5-Year Hope
At seminary and graduated from college.
Trainer Advice
Sit back and smile!
Horse Partner Thanks For being my right leg when I need it.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Stingray
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait
Their personality and intelligence.
New Rider Advice
Love your horses. Thank you … to all the trainers I’ve worked with over the years and to my mother.
Age 18 | Moraga, CA
Earthquake Arabians
Horses: Arsenal BV+++// ~ Knightingale LR+// Hunter Pleasure, Side Saddle English, Hunter Seat Equitation & Performance Halter
Dream Vacation Italy or Greece
Favorite YN Memory
Finding out I placed reserve in performance halter during the lineup of my hunter class after going top ten!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Hiking with my dog, Lucy.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Asian noodle salad
5-Year Hope
Still riding around on Hank!
Trainer Advice Value hard work and independence.
Horse Partner Thanks For knowing when to be goofy, caring, kind and spicy at all the right times.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My Black Lab puppy, Lucy.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their amazing personalities.
After Graduation Plans
Attending the University of San Diego to study Business. New Rider Advice Work hard and learn something from every opportunity.
Thank you … to my parents for endlessly supporting me and my trainer, Tammy, for always caring about both my horses and me.
Age: 17 | Temecula, CA
KRE Show Horses
Horses: Majarres Cairo++++// Coachella Queen++/
Dressage, Sport Horse, Hunter Pleasure & Equitation
Dream Vacation Spain, Switzerland or the Netherlands!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Sophie Yih and her Equitation horse!
Favorite YN Memory
My barn’s circus-themed golf cart in one of the golf cart competitions!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity
Traveling and seeing other parts of the world!
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
A baked potato and pork chops.
5-Year Hope
Accepted to medical school to be a doctor!
Trainer Advice
Consistency and dedication are crucial.
Horse Partner Thanks For always being so patient with my silly mistakes.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal
Definitely my cat, Mila!
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their intelligence and expressive attitude.
After Graduation Plans
Attend USC to major in Biology and French. New Rider Advice
Appreciate the opportunity before the roses. Thank you … to my mom for your endless support and to Katherine for believing in me.
SENIOR & YOUTH NATIONAL GRADUATES
GRACE SMITH
SARA STOWELL SARAH TRANSUE
Age: 19 | Orting, WA
Silver Aspen Ranch
Horses: Blended Whizkey ~ Viper WA
Competing in 10 disciplines
Dream Vacation
I would love to travel to Italy one day!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Michelle Pease Paulsen and SS A Noble Star
Favorite YN Memory
When I won my first Hunt Seat Pleasure championship, it was surreal!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity
Hiking, baking, running and reading!
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
My dad’s Fettuccine Alfredo!
5-Year Hope
Loving my career, enjoying my horses, and spending time with my loved ones!
Trainer Advice
Have fun and ride like the wind!
Horse Partner Thanks
For their unconditional love and support!
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs and platypuses!
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Dedication, diversity and great personalities!
New Rider Advice
Believe in yourself ALWAYS and never give up!
Thank you … Mom and Dad, Cheryl, Skylar, Michelle, Kade and my SAR barn family!
Age: 19 | MN
Kiesner Training
Horse: Royal Style Country Pleasure
Dream Vacation
Santorin, Greece
Favorite YN Memory
I can’t pick just one memory, but the friendships I have made over the years.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Shrimp Risotto with asparagus.
Horse Partner Thanks Teaching me to never give up.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dolphin
New Rider Advice
Remember, don’t take too much pressure, have fun! Thank you …
To all my past and present trainers, I am forever grateful for the lessons.
Age: 18 | Marana, AZ
Nelson Farms
Horse: Destiny Bi Design NF Sport Horse, Hunt Seat Equitation & Ranch Pleasure
Dream Vacation
Somewhere tropical, like Hawaii.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
I’ve always loved watching my mom compete.
First YN Expectation
I’m most excited to show in a different state.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity I love playing guitar and lifting weights.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
My grandma’s creamed tuna with biscuits.
5-Year Hope
Training horses professionally out of my own business.
Trainer Advice
Learn from as many people and horses as you can.
Horse Partner Thanks Her confidence allows me to grow my own skills.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal
My dog, Oakley.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their versatility and adaptability.
After Graduation Plans
Attend University of Arizona for Animal Science.
New Rider Advice
Don’t compare yourself to other people. Thank you … to my mom and grandparents, and my amazing trainers Trish, Betsy and Courtney.
SENIOR & YOUTH NATIONAL GRADUATES
HALEY WALDSCHMIDT
Age: 18 | Versailles, KY
Stachowski Farm
Horse: American Hustle
Show Hack, Country & Side Saddle
Dream Vacation Italy
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Lauren Gibbond and Captivating Shoc WA
Favorite YN Memory
My first Show Hack win last year.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
My mom’s Pesto Tortellini.
5-Year Hope In the beginning of my Interior Design career.
Trainer Advice Slow down.
Horse Partner Thanks
Putting up with any and all my mistakes.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Giraffe
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait
Their individual and quirky personalities.
After Graduation Plans
Attend the University of Kentucky. New Rider Advice
Don’t let a bad ride define the rest of your show!
Thank you … Mom and Dad, for allowing me to show these incredible horses.
mem ies
Senior Photos
Senior Photos
STEPH BARRIS MCKENNA BEIN LILY BURICK
Age: 16 | Freeland, MI
Rooker Training Stable
Horses: CP High Card Daniels ~ CPH Superstar Country English, Show Hack & Western Pleasure
Dream Vacation Ocala, Florida
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Devon Shuster and Entouragze
Favorite YN Memory Making my horses’ treat bowls.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Camping and hiking.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Chicken Parmesan
5-Year Hope Horse trainer
Trainer Advice
Ride your ride and don’t worry about anybody else.
Horse Partner Thanks Teaching me so much about the sport.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dogs, Marley and Waylon.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their drive, effort and determination.
Age: 17 | AZ
Bein Performance Horses
Horses: BSF Gitter Dun ~ Adessa SS Ranch, Reining, Horsemanship, Hunt Seat Eq. & Trail
Dream Vacation Europe or Hawaii
Favorite YN Memory Being with all my friends and meeting new people.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Chicken pasta or steak.
5-Year Hope
Graduating college and taking over the family business.
Trainer Advice Don’t die.
Horse Partner Thanks For putting up with me.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait They’re full of energy and always loving.
Age: 15 | MI
Rooker Training Stable
Horse: Light My Fyre LR Country English Pleasure
Dream Vacation I would travel to Italy!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Devon Shuster and Entouragze
First YN Expectation I’m most excited to be competing at a national level!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Going boating with my family and my dogs!
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Homemade pasta
5-Year Hope I hope to be in college pursuing my equestrian career.
Trainer Advice Just go out there and have fun.
Horse Partner Thanks Being so goofy, it always makes me smile.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dogs!
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait I love how intelligent and curious they are.
Age: 17 | Lake Stevens, WA
Moon Shadow Performance Horses
Horses: Pretty Little Liar ~ Spinnin All My Money
Hunter Pleasure, Showmanship & Performance Halter
Dream Vacation Greece
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Suzanne Calnan and Afires Soldier++++/
First YN Expectation Making new friends!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Photography
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Homemade chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes.
5-Year Hope Still working with horses!
Trainer Advice
Always look forward and not back on your mistakes.
Horse Partner Thanks Always being there for me.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their unique personalities.
Age: 16 | CA
Stachowski Farm
Horses: Fresh Prince WA ~ Baha AJF Hunter Pleasure
Dream Vacation
Bora Bora
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Bella Heath and Fresh Prince WA
Favorite YN Memory
During COVID when my dad came to nationals because he didn’t have work.
5-Year Hope Finishing college and starting up my own business.
Trainer Advice Don’t overthink.
Horse Partner Thanks For giving me more confidence.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Turtles
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their big personalities and high energy.
Age: 17 | Miami, FL
Stachowski Farm
Horse: Crack Me Up English Pleasure
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Nester Gonzalez and Crack Me Up
Favorite YN Memory Going Reserve National Champion with my horse Break Your Heart LOA.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity I enjoy walking and playing pickleball.
5-Year Hope Graduated from SMU and doing things that bring me joy.
Trainer Advice Go in there and get it done.
Horse Partner Thanks Teaching me patience.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My French Bulldog, Luna.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their energy and fire.
Age: 15 | FL
Christy Higman-Clements Training
Horses: The High Spheirrow ~ Magical Moves
Saddle Seat Equitation & Country Pleasure
Dream Vacation Italy
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Annia Garmendia and Magical Moves
Favorite YN Memory Showing with my best friend, Chloe Jimenez.
5-Year Hope
In college while still riding and showing.
Trainer Advice
Be confident and ride as if you already won.
Horse Partner Thanks His willingness to always work hard.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs – they are so loving.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their personality – it’s so unique.
Age: 15 | AZ
Bein Performance Horses
Horses BSF Buffalo Bill Cody+// Make It Rein CSF+/ Working Western
Dream Vacation Italy
Favorite YN Memory Freestyle Reining
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Volleyball
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Anything my parents make me.
5-Year Hope Rich
Trainer Advice
I can’t do it for you; you have to do it yourself.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Cats
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their personality.
Age: 17 | Alpine, UT
Ramirez Training Center
Horses: SS Black Widow
Supremely Royal SOF ~ Corona PE
Saddle Seat Equitation, Show Hack, Country Pleasure & Costume
Favorite YN Memory A unanimous costume win on Cliff was one of the best days of my life!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Going to the gym.
Horse Partner Thanks Always being ready to do his best.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dogs.
CORRINE KENNEDYREAGAN KNAACKRAINIE KUCHYNKA
Age: 16 | Waterford, MI
Rooker Training Stable
Horse: Our Primary Goal Country Pleasure, Driving & Show Hack
Dream Vacation
The Plateau de Valensole in France.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Stephanie with Jack (High Card Daniels).
First YN Expectation
I’m excited to see the show grounds for the first time and the scenery.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Drawing
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Traditional Swedish pancakes
5-Year Hope Studying to become an architect and competing.
Trainer Advice
To always have a connection with your horse.
Horse Partner Thanks Allowing me to grow and learn to ride saddle seat.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait When they lift their tail when they’re excited.
Age: 17 | Fallbrook, CA KRE Show Horses
Horse: Cape Crusader Hunter & Dressage
Dream Vacation Italy
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Everyone! It is fun seeing the different bonds!
Favorite YN Memory
Personal barn memories each year.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Hanging out with my friends.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Any type of pasta.
5-Year Hope I hope to be an ER doctor!
Trainer Advice
Take something from a show and use it to learn.
Horse Partner Thanks Always doing his best when performing.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Loyalty
Age: 17 | Cave Creek, AZ
Ramirez Training Center
Horses: Skcandalous ~ Boogie ~ Billy Maverick ~ CJ ~ Bravo ~ Billy English and Country Pleasure, Side Saddle, Western, Show Hack & Driving
Dream Vacation Italy
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Sophie Yih and CF Bella Luna
Favorite YN Memory
Winning a national championship on my heart horse, Boogie Man LR!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Baking and training my dog.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Lentil soup that my mom makes.
Trainer Advice Don’t overthink it.
Horse Partner Thanks For trying their hardest and taking care of me.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My rescue dog, Toby.
Photo by Cat McKenna
BROOKE LANDON
Age: 16 | Santa Ynez, CA
Lowe Show Horse Centre / Landon Equestrian LLC
Horses Royal Nobility+/ Layla RTA
La Bella Vita
Saddle Seat
Dream Vacation
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Sophie Yih and any of her show horses!
Favorite YN Memory
A double victory pass with Sophie Yih last year in the Arabian English Pleasure 15-18!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity
Studying Corporate America/Corporate Global!
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
Essentially anything with steak!
5-Year Hope
A successful business owner of a high value company and a leader of AHA!
Trainer Advice
Rein doesn’t mean anything without leg.
Horse Partner Thanks
Always being willing to learn and improve.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Lions!
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Versatility!
Age: 17 | Mitchell, SD Stachowski Farm
Horses: Kalaramas Serotonin ~ Just Like Fire VVF
Saddle Seat Equitation, English & Country Pleasure
Dream Vacation
Bora Bora
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Alexa Gilbert and Toskcan Stars
Favorite YN Memory
Winning the H/A English Choice last year with Bayonce!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity
Always staying busy with friends and family.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Chicken and rice.
5-Year Hope
Planning what the rest of my life will look like and loving what I do.
Trainer Advice
Have fun and don’t take it too seriously.
Horse Partner Thanks For trying her hardest every time we hit the ring.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal
My cat, Mister Chip.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait
The different personalities they each have.
Age: 17 | Fort Worth, TX
Whistlejacket Farm
Horse: VA Wine and Roses
Hunter Pleasure & Hunt Seat Eq. (Not To Jump)
Dream Vacation
Greece
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Wendy Potts and SRW Gotta Bugatti
Favorite YN Memory
The balloon fights at the end of the show.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Cooking
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Steak and mashed potatoes.
5-Year Hope
A successful businesswoman.
Trainer Advice More leg!
Horse Partner Thanks Being the sweetest!
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dog, Biscuit.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their compassion.
Age: 17 | Woodbury, MN
Whistlejacket Farms
Horses: Sunrise Kid MF ~ Barcelo Hunter Pleasure
Dream Vacation Italy
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Wendy Potts and Barcelo
Favorite YN Memory
Winning my Elite class back in 2020.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Lacrosse or going wake surfing.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Spaghetti and meatballs
5-Year Hope In dental school.
Trainer Advice Use leg before hand.
Horse Partner Thanks For all the memories they brought me.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Each horse’s different personality.
Age: 18 | Magnolia, TX Tamar Arabians
Horses RD Stivalation++ TOA Khadence
Tamar Good Vibrations ~ Tamar Dark Duchess
Hunter Pleasure, English Side Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation & Halter
Dream Vacation San Diego
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo My trainer and my horse Stevie.
Favorite YN Memory When freestyle reining was most popular.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Art
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Any type of pasta with parmesan.
5-Year Hope In college and continuing my love for Arabian horses.
Trainer Advice Don’t suck!
Horse Partner Thanks For giving me confidence I didn’t know I had.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Cats
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait How alert they are.
Age: 16 | Sarasota, FL
Christy Higman-Clements Training
Horses: RGT Fireball Whiskey PA Monterey Always
Hunter Pleasure & Hunt Seat Equitation
Dream Vacation Paris, France!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Brooke and her horse Hot Rodder PF in costume!
Favorite YN Memory
My first national championship in 2 22 with my horse Whiskey!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity I love to read or listen to music!
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Zucchini boats!
5-Year Hope In a good college.
Trainer Advice Take a deep breath.
Horse Partner Thanks For putting up with my shenanigans!
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs!
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their versatility and beauty.
JOSIE RAGUSA RENE RAMIREZ JR.
Age: 15 | IN Kiesner Training
Horses: Commander N Chief NNW
Heirs Rock N Roll ~ FirstNightProwler VA English & Country
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Alexa and The Heiristocratt
Favorite YN Memory Going National Champion.
Horse Partner Thanks Giving me good memories.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Cats
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait How smart they are.
Age: 17 | Baton Rouge, LA Krohn Show Horses
Horse: KA Le Tosk Hunter Pleasure
Dream Vacation Cyprus, Greece
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Anyone from my barn or my friends who compete.
Favorite YN Memory Winning Reserve National Champion at my first Youth Nationals.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Playing volleyball.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Homemade spaghetti
5-Year Hope Still showing but also in school getting a Master’s degree.
Age: 18 | AZ
Ramirez Training Center English & Country English Pleasure
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Rainie Kuchynka and Boogie Man LR
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Steak
5-Year Hope Training horses right beside my father.
Horse Partner Thanks For getting me around.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My Labrador, Rocco.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their attitude and charisma.
Trainer Advice Show off your necklace to help keep your chest up.
Horse Partner Thanks For being so determined and willing.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My cat, Jinx.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their dished faces and high tail carriage.
Age Springfield, MO
Chrishan Park Arabians
Horse: CSP Zeus
Country & Saddle Seat Equitation
Dream Vacation
A tropical private island.
Favorite YN Memory
Winning my first national championship.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity
Either playing the cello or shadowing at hospitals.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Chicken nuggets and mac and cheese.
5-Year Hope
Working as a critical care nurse.
Trainer Advice Go in there and kick ass.
Horse Partner Thanks For not killing me yet.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dog.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their unpredictable personality.
Age: 15 | Mason City, IA
Sapphire Ribbions
Horses: Tshampagne Heartlight Totally Toskcan PF
Hunter Pleasure, Halter, English, Park & Costume
Dream Vacation
Paris, France and the Eiffel Tower.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Isabella Gonzalez and Miss Martini BF
Favorite YN Memory
Bella winning Unanimous Champion last year in the H/A English.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Basketball and Drawing.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal My great grandma’s goulash.
5-Year Hope Horse trainer
Trainer Advice
Stick out, but not like a sore thumb.
Horse Partner Thanks For being the most understanding horse ever.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Giraffe
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their beautiful head.
Age: 17 | Shelbyville, IN
Tara E.A. LaFave
Horse: BJD Dark Alley Hunter Pleasure
Dream Vacation
I would like to see the Spanish Riding School.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale–such class.
First YN Expectation I am most excited to experience the comradery that Youth Nationals has to offer.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity My dog and I enjoy hiking and dog sports.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Fettuccine Alfredo
5-Year Hope My goal is to be working my way as a professional in the equine industry.
Trainer Advice
If 4 is the answer, how many solutions are there?
Horse Partner Thanks For being lenient when I had room to grow.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My German Shepard
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Communication must be a two-way street.
Age: 17 | Alto, MI
Rooker Training Stable
Horse: Big Thunder Show Hack & Country English Pleasure
Dream Vacation Ireland
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Nora Shaffer and Ballerina BF
Favorite YN Memory
Winning Show Hack with my heart horse LC Nobelistic.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Going to the beach!
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Steak and arugula salad.
5-Year Hope
Working with my mom pursuing a career to afford horses.
Trainer Advice
Train the horse for the rider, not yourself.
Horse Partner Thanks Teaching me the art of patience.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My pony.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Tails for days!
Age: 16 | WA
Silver Aspen Ranch
Horses: Mocha Java Chip ~ Krona Time LR Working Western & Hunter
Dream Vacation Mykonos, Greece
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Hiking
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dog, Arlo.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their personalities.
Age: 18 | Cave Creek, AZ
Daniel Training Center
Horse: Pez RTA English, Park & Costume
Dream Vacation Alaska, I like the outdoors and the cold.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Michael Spandau and SF Major Shoc
Favorite YN Memory I have always enjoyed watching the nighttime thunderstorms at the show.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity I fly planes and I also ride mountain bikes.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal A nice, rare steak with over-medium eggs.
5-Year Hope
Flying for a regional airline getting ready to hop over to Delta.
Trainer Advice Ride every stride.
Horse Partner Thanks Patience
Favorite Non-Horse Animal English Golden Retrievers
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their very human-like and playful personality.
RYLEE ZELL
Age: 17 | Hollywood, FL
Christy Higman-Clements Training
Horses: Noble Heirr ~ Prized Son BF
Show Hack, Costume, Country & Side Saddle
Dream Vacation Dubai
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Running and tennis.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Beef Bulgogi Bowls
5-Year Hope
Showing one of my homebred Arabian horses.
Trainer Advice Let go.
Horse Partner Thanks For being patient with me as I’ve grown as a rider.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Cows
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their intelligence.
HALLIE ZIMMERMAN
Age: 17 | Roswell, GA
Stachowski Farm
Horses: Sippin On Fire VH
Nirvanas Sizzle PF ~ Norman Rockwell
Saddle Seat
Dream Vacation
The Bahamas
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Kayla Masselink and After Thoughts
Favorite YN Memory Winning National Champion on my horse Cider, his first year as a hunter.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Going for hikes with my dogs.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Tacos
5-Year Hope A senior at UGA.
Trainer Advice Be confident and have fun.
Horse Partner Thanks Trying so hard for me.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their big personalities.
Age: 14 | Scottsdale, AZ
Burkman Centre
Horses: MS Dutch Chocolate
Juke Boxx Hero
Hunter & Country English Pleasure
Dream Vacation Germany
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Rene Rameriz Jr and Nuttin But Luck PF
Favorite YN Memory
Chocolate and I earning National Champion last year in both Hunter classes.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Studying Psychology.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
Anything that is available.
5-Year Hope Unanimous National Champion
Trainer Advice Relax
Horse Partner Thanks Giving me confidence in myself.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Elk
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Athleticism
Age: 14 | AZ
Desoto Training Center
Horse: Vegaz Showgirl CCF Country
Dream Vacation Hawaii
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Gabe Desoto and BL Hells Bells in Park.
First YN Expectation I’m really excited to show in the driving.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Swimming
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Enchiladas
5-Year Hope An elite rider.
Trainer Advice Stop riding like an idiot!
Horse Partner Thanks For always doing her job.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My dogs.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their attitude.
Age: 13 | Howell, MI
Rooker Training Stable / Cotton
Performance Horses
Horses Blazn Heir HPF Notorious Afire
PA Moonshine Kid ~ CPH Lonestarr ~ CPH Its Cello Time Saddle Seat, Hunter & Western
Dream Vacation World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Abe Cotton and PA Marican Outlaw
Favorite YN Memory Winning National Champion in Western Pleasure on Ahleah TRF!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Volleyball
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Spaghetti and garlic bread.
5-Year Hope A famous horse breeder.
Trainer Advice Go in there and have the best ride yet!
Horse Partner Thanks For loving me.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Wiener dog
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their movement.
BRAYDEN BISHOP
Age: 14 | Harrisonville, MO
Clanton Performance Horses
Horses Thomas Crown Affair ML Aur InLove Country and Western Pleasure, Driving & Performance Halter
Dream Vacation
New Zealand to hunt red stag!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Stanley White III and The Seeker V
Favorite YN Memory
Watching Rex White and Extremely Fortunut in Park.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Hunting and fishing.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Steak and homemade rolls.
5-Year Hope
Still showing horses, starting a business, hunting and fishing.
Trainer Advice It’s not about the placing, it’s about the ride.
Horse Partner Thanks Giving their best all the time, every time!
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Morgan, my dog.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their kindness.
Age: 15 | Temecula, CA KRE Show Horses
Horse: MSU Start All Over++/ Dressage & Sport Horse
Dream Vacation
Alaska
Favorite YN Memory
Winning my first reserve championship with my walk/trot pony!
5-Year Hope
More relaxed and confident with my horse and myself.
Trainer Advice Ride with leg, a smile, and be confident.
Horse Partner Thanks Teaching me to not be so hard on myself.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their random mood switches.
Age: 15 | Forney, TX
Krohn Show Horses LLC
Horse: Dunit Right MCA
Hunter Pleasure, Equitation & Performance Halter
Dream Vacation
California, it is very pretty there!
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Olivia Parks and DM Summer Surprise
YN Expectation
That I get to hang out and show with all my friends!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Volleyball
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Chicken Parmesan
5-Year Hope
To be a veterinarian. I want to care for animals and do whatever I can to help them
Trainer Advice Ride smart and have fun!
Horse Partner Thanks How confident he has made me in the arena!
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Biscuit, a Golden Retriever.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait They are so willing and will do anything for you.
Age: 15 | Scottsdale, AZ Burkman Centre
Horses: Higher Love VH ~ Spectaculheir DGL
Dream of Love Hunter, Country, Eq., Show Hack & Side Saddle
Dream Vacation Maldives
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
My sister (Addie) and Miranda (now retired).
Favorite YN Memory
Winning my first set of National roses in a big country class.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Playing tennis and hiking the Colorado mountains.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal
Steak with mom’s homemade Texas sheet cake.
5-Year Hope In med school.
Trainer Advice
Keep riding even if you’ve messed up.
Horse Partner Thanks For putting in so much work.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Panda
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Their versatility. They really can do it all!
Age: 15 | MO Clanton Performance Horses Horses Twistafourtune JB ACA Bakarra Hunter Pleasure, Eq., Showmanship & Halter
Dream Vacation
Paris, France
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo
Lead Line riders they are the future of riding.
Favorite YN Memory
The block party and golf cart parade!
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Swimming
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Steak sandwiches made by my dad, Joe.
5-Year Hope Cosmologist and still showing my horses.
Trainer Advice
Go out there and give it your all.
Horse Partner Thanks Thank you for your partnership and friendship.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal Dogs or donkeys.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Peppermints and carrots.
Age: 15 | Paradise Valley, AZ Burkman Centre
Horses: Mac Shoc WA ~ HA Tsamsun ~ Khris Le Doux J ~ Mariano AN ~ LH Stetson TRGR SS Walk The Line | English, Country, Hunter & Western Pleasure, Show Hack Perf. Halter
Dream Vacation
New Zealand
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo Devin Miller and Mac Shoc WA
Favorite YN Memory
When I won my first national championship with my horse, Dirty Face.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Playing instruments
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Polenta with sour cream.
5-Year Hope To be in college.
Trainer Advice Have fun!
Horse Partner Thanks For always taking care of me.
Dream Vacation NIHI Sumba in Indonesia where the horses run wild.
Favorite Horse/Rider Combo McLain Ward and “Annie” (HH Azure)
First YN Expectation I am most excited for Crossrails.
Favorite Non-Horse Activity Gymnastics and skiing.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal Chicken noodle soup and potatoes au gratin.
5-Year Hope
Riding in a costume class, jumping 2’9” Eq., and riding First Level Dressage.
Trainer Advice Trust in your horse. Trust in you!
Horse Partner Thanks Being there to help me heal after every surgery.
Favorite Non-Horse Animal My Boston Terrier, Petunia.
Favorite Arabian Horse Trait Loyalty, willingness and sensitivity.
Photo by Liz Crawley Photogrgaphy
mem ies
RainieKuchynka
By ALLY EDWARDS
ive years ago, for her 12th birthday, Rainie Kuchynka asked for a cell phone. Instead, her parents got her horseback riding lessons at Tyler Farms, an Arabian barn. It was there, that Rainie caught the bug.
After six months, her family bought her first horse, Frankly Sinatra, and she began showing in hunter at local shows. A few months later, Rainie began lessons at Apex Riding Academy at Daniel Training Center in saddle seat. At Youth Nationals 2020, Rainie competed in the Experience Youth academy classes and she was officially hooked!
Billy The Khyd, Rainie's first National Championship.
It was at DTC where the family purchased and spent the next year competing in country with Rainie’s next horse, Dream of Love, before there was a need to find this self-proclaimed “barn rat” somewhere close to home when the family moved in 2021. Coupled with Rainie wanting to try additional disciplines brought them to Ramirez Training Center.
Now, four years later, at Youth Nationals 2024, Rainie will show seven horses: Tooskcandalous RT, Boogie Man LR, Billy The Khyd, Cracker Jax PF, HA The Weekend, Toskcan N Turnin RT and Bravissimo PF. Aside from Boogie, Rainie’s heart horse, who she is still super excited to show at Youth again, Rainie is looking forward to riding Tooskcandalous in the Half-Arabian English and Park. The mare was young when they bought her, so Rainie had to be patient while Skcandalous matured, and she grew as a rider before she could show her confidently.
Rainie’s mother, Brenda, mentioned that the Arabian horse has changed the trajectory of their entire family’s lives. They now live on a property in Arizona that’s home to their many horses. The Kuchynkas have recently gotten involved with breeding, so they have some young ones alongside Rainie’s 17-year-old retired first boy, Frankly Sinatra. “There’s just something about the Arabian, not just physically, but their personality as well,” Brenda said. “It was just by luck she started with Arabians, but I don’t think we would be so involved if we had started somewhere else.”
The horses have also done wonders for Rainie physically, as well. Born with an immunodeficiency and a fused ankle, Rainie had ankle surgery, six months before her first lesson and since starting to ride, there’s been no need for more surgeries and her range of motion is better than ever. And because of the immunodeficiency, Rainie switched to homeschooling at age 11 when regular school kept getting her sick, but the barn families she’s met through Arabians have been the best for her, keeping her from being isolated due to not attending traditional school.
Rainie and her family adore the barn family they’ve joined at Ramirez Training Center. Rainie mentioned how close she’s gotten to the Ramirez family from riding, as well as dating Junior, Rene’s son. “Rene is so kind and talented, and keeps all of the horses in great shape, while Sandra is so hard working and loves the horses,” she said. “It’s a family business and I’m grateful to be a part of the team.” Because everyone is so supportive and drama free, they would choose Ramirez Training any day.
Rainie has soared in her four years of showing, adding many roses to her name. To anyone just starting to show, she says, “You’re going to have ups and downs but don’t let it get to you and always try to have a positive attitude.” While the phone technically might have been the cheaper option, her grit, perseverance, and all the other lessons learned through her Arabians are priceless. With passionate young riders like Rainie, the future of the Arabian horse is bright. n
Left Rainie’s heart horse, Boogie Man LR, shows off his huge personality after their Scottsdale win.
Frankly Sinatra, Rainie's first show horse now living the retired life.
“HeartJourney An Arabian Horse”
Jaxon Sharif caught AHT’s attention of when she was first featured on “We Love Arabian Horses” website under the headline “Then & Now”.
From Pleasant Hope, MO, Jaxon shared a “Then” image of her and CSP The First Lady, aka Journey from 2021 with the comment: The day I brought her home, November 14th, 2021... I had no clue what I was getting into!
She then followed it up with the “Now”, when in 2023, she says: We were running home after our very first 21 second pole run! Everyone was cheering and my dreams were coming true! Journey was my first Arabian and my heart horse, she will stay with me forever. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Jaxon and Journey went on to place 3D-12th in the insurance race at the 2024 BBR World Finals.
Bred by Doug Schultz and Chris Wilson in 2016, CSP The First Lady is by the MHR Nobility son Mizter President VA and out of Venuz, by VCP Magnifire (a maternal sister to both National Champion and Champion producing stallions Vegaz and SHF Encore). Wilson is thrilled to be part of her creation. “It is truly what makes horses so special, the bond that we form with them. This was meant to be. She was bred to be athletic, so it is great to see that coming to fruition, even if in a different direction than we were thinking! I hope my daughter Annabelle will get into barrel racing one of these days. We watched some at a competition during the Thanksgiving show in Ocala last fall in a back arena and she loved it. We will be going to watch The First Lady soon.” Schultz concurs with Wilson’s sentiments. “As breeders, we hope our horses get to do what they love with owners that love them, and certainly that’s the case with these two! It is an absolute joy to watch someone develop with a horse we bred whose wonderful athletic ability allows her to excel in an area we did not anticipate. Congrats to you both!”
AHT caught up to 16-year-old Jaxon to learn more about her and Journey.
How did you find Journey?
We rst heard about Journey from an old friend who knew somebody with a trail horse for sale, so we went to look at her in November of 2021.
What made you consider an Arabian horse?
I wasn’t necessarily looking for an Arabian, but God had a plan and brought us together.
Was Journey’s first experience in barrel racing with you?
Yes.
How long does it take to train a barrel racing horse?
It all depends on the horse; some learn faster than others! It took me about 8 months to train Journey to the barrels.
What was it about Journey that you felt she had potential?
She was always willing and eager to please. When we rst got her, we did jumping and hunt seat together and soon realized she wanted to go much faster.
How long have you been barrel racing? Around 18 months.
What is Journey’s favorite treat?
She loves Sour Patch Kids! As odd as it sounds, we give Journey a small pack of Sour Patch Kids approximately 5 minutes before each run. We like to call it her special treat and I do believe it makes her run faster.
For someone new to barrel racing but interested in trying it, what advice would you give?
Keep trying; it will get hard, and you will have slumps, but once you get over it, it’s so worth it in the end!
Does barrel racing run in your family?
No, I am a rst-generation, self-taught barrel racer!
Do you like to ride in other disciplines?
Yes! I love to jump for fun at home. Journey and I also pole bend and goat tie.
Does Journey let you know if she is ready to run some days more than others?
How important is the bond that you have with one another to competing successfully?
What’s next on your “journey” together?
We will be heading to Perry, Georgia for the 2024 NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships in July and I can’t wait!
#JaxonsJourney
Do you have a heart horse story to share?
Contact AHT: o ce@ahtimes.com
& Now
Absolutely! If Journey is feeling more excited, she will let me know, mostly in the warmup pen, by behaving more hot and ready to run.
I think having a bond with your horse is super important, especially when racing. It is crucial in order to have clean runs.
At the 2024 BBR World Finals, how many horses did you compete against in your division?
ere were 1,828 runners in my division but over 2,000 runners throughout the entire week.
What must you accomplish beforehand to enter the Better Barrel Racers World Finals?
You must be a member, which you can do on the BBR website and enter at least eight endorsed shows put on by BBR quali ed events.
What do you and Journey do together on your off days?
We do a lot of posture and corrective stretching work. We love to go swimming together and go on long trail rides.
$100,000 Gift From The Richard & Georgiann Ames Family Foundation
CITY OF HOPE CANCER CENTER PHOENIX
City of Hope® Cancer Center Phoenix received a $100,000 gift from the Richard & Georgiann Ames Family Foundation on June 3, 2024. The gift will further City of Hope’s mission to expand access to optimal cancer care to more patients, families and communities in Arizona and cement its role as one of the most advanced, dedicated cancer research and treatment centers in the region.
“We are grateful to the Ames family for this generous gift and their commitment to transforming cancer care in our community,” said Kevin Tulipana, D.O., M.S., president of City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix. “Because of their generosity, more Arizonans will have access to leading-edge diagnostics, treatments and clinical trials when they need it.”
The Richard & Georgiann Ames Family Foundation is committed to improving the lives of others, through sickness and in health, by donating to cancer research while assisting those very families afflicted. The funds for this donation were generously raised by attendees at the foundation’s 3rd annual gala. Additionally, the foundation donated a Horses For Humanity Arabian Horse sculpture named “Bubbles,” which is now on display in the main gallery of the City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix’s hospital. Bubbles was created by Karen Kasper and painted by Tina Hillstrom for the Richard & Georgiann Ames Family Foundation, symbolizing the essence of vitality, the jubilant effervescence of life-sustaining oxygen.
“The Ames Family Foundation is committed to improving the lives of others, through sickness and health,” said Lara Ames, chair of the Richard & Georgiann Ames Family Foundation. “From the many blessings we have received, we firmly believe in providing the same to others.”
City of Hope is one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the country. City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix opened in 2008 in Goodyear, just west of downtown Phoenix, and has grown its footprint with outpatient locations in Gilbert, North Phoenix and Tatum Ridge. City of Hope Phoenix and Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City Hope, are accelerating the development of breakthroughs and creating a cycle of innovation where research leads to new treatments. City of Hope and TGen complement each other in their common areas of research and patient care, with City of Hope providing a significant clinical setting to advance scientific discoveries made by TGen faster, safer and more effectively. This benefits the Phoenix area and beyond through genomics research, fully leveraged to provide highly specialized care and precision medicine treatment to City of Hope patients in Arizona and across the country. n
Recall that moment when you fell in love with the Arabian horse? Was it when you rst saw one, or when you rst touched and interreacted with one? And what was the event, or who was the person, who introduced you to the magic of having an Arabian in your life? ose light-bulb moments are ingrained in our minds, and how we felt will stay with us forever.
We who are in the breed consider ourselves privileged to be the caretakers of these horses and, because we care for them, realize that only we can secure their future. So, are we taking full advantage of every opportunity we have to provide that special rst moment to others?
We certainly all do at our shows. We create beautiful set-ups to take care of our clients, where we cherish being with each other—and as friends, we know it is okay to enter each other’s barn areas. We know the rules. We belong there. But to someone new wanting to see an Arabian horse up close? ey see closed o stable aisles with large curtains to protect the horses. ey see our beautiful set-ups, but no signs telling them that strangers are welcome.
And how about teaching newcomers about the Arabian horse? Watching them in a class may be entertaining but does little to explain what is going on. ey see the hustle and bustle of everyone moving from one class to the next, obviously with little time to speak to curious folks who have questions.
So, what can we do to become better promoters of our breed? Here is one way that is proving to be not only e ective, but enjoyable as well: host an Experience barn, whether it be at a show or at your home barn. It bene ts everyone—breeders, owners, trainers, exhibitors, and newcomers.
e Keystone Arabian Horse Experience launched this incredible concept in 2022 when they put on their rst event at World Equestrian Center alongside the AHAF Holiday Festival Show. ey created the Arabian Horse Experience Barn, full of Ambassador horses to meet visitors up close and personal, held child-friendly activities, like face-painting and scavenger hunts, as well as created educational experiences like clinics, training demonstrations and question and answer sessions in a nearby outdoor arena. e event was well promoted and thousands of visitors were able to meet Arabians in a true interactive and hands-on environment. e event continued with even more success in 2023 and piqued the interest of many within our show community to follow suit.
Cedar Ridge Arabians did so as well, creating their own daily, week-long Experience barn during February’s 2024 Scottsdale show and were met with almost 900 enthusiastic and inexperienced people eager for the chance to touch and learn all about the Arabian horse. Depending on the visitors’ depth of interest and the time available (from noon to 3 p.m.), they were shown everything from grooming and show prep to the basics of care and what a farrier does, and they made sure that the information o ered was top notch. Scott Benjamin led the conversation with encyclopedic knowledge in easy-to-understand terms, and was followed by fellow horse lover Kerri Buksa, whose barn tour added an opportunity to meet and touch Arabians.
ough Keystone’s Experience Barn is a large-scale format engaging multiple horses, trainers, schedules and visitors, and Cedar Ridge’s Scottsdale Experience barn created a more intimate experience with just the use of a few horses, both events prove that introducing people to our Arabian horse and providing them with even the smallest insights to our beautiful animals are huge successes and a step towards sustaining and growing our breed.
FACT:
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL YOUR BARN/PROGRAM IS ... whether you are a lesson program, a training barn with 100 horses, a small or large-scale horse show, or simply a small breeder or single horse owner that keeps your horses at home ... everyone can host host an Experience Barn to introduce the Arabian horse to newcomers!
CREATE AN INVITING ENVIRONMENT:
Welcome people to your stalls at a horse show, or to your farm or lesson program. is environment can be created through signage on or around the barn, or even by setting a white board by your stall fronts at a show, letting visitors know when your barn will be open or when you will be presenting a horse for the public to meet!
If hosting an event at your farm, consider putting signage by your gate, or decorating with balloons to set the mood for a fun and joyful time! Be sure to meet any guests and introduce yourself and the horses!
CREATE A SCHEDULE:
Do your best to create a program for your visitors! If at a horse show, let people know when your barn will be open for visitors via signage, and carve out a small amount of time to educate visitors to di erent subject matters (basic horse care, watching a horse groomed in the cross ties, or a tour through a tack room).
Consider adding items to the schedule that include a hands-on experience with a horse, like taking turns painting one in the cross ties, and then walking visitors through the bathing process!
STEP 2
CONSIDER HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT:
Consider having basic refreshments on hand for your visitors if your barn schedule is lengthy. A water and snack table can serve the purpose...or if you are creating a longer day at the farm, consider hosting some sort of lunch! A lunch can provide a relaxed environment for people to get to know one another and ask questions! It can be something as simple as a pizza order, or even inviting people to bring their own picnic lunches with them!
Does Entertainment mean music? A performance? Have no fear...it simply means, plan something fun!
Entertainment could be a scavenger hunt around the barn, face painting for the kids, setting out some cornhole games in the lunch area, or even o ering a coloring table for the kids that are in attendance.
If you are a larger operation, your Entertainment could even be hosting an Egg & Spoon Class with your clients or having a group lesson demonstration for the crowd to watch. Entertainment can also serve as education, but most importantly, it needs to be engaging!
Some inexpensive options to consider...
• Create an event on social media and share it with your followers and local groups in the area (Consider Groups for Moms/Families, Children’s activities).
• Send your Experience Barn information to Arabian Horse Times or share with @ExperienceArabianHorses and/or @KeystoneArabianExperience via Facebook or Instagram and we will share your event on our pages.
• Contact arabianhorsepromofund@gmail.com to inquire about setting up registration for your event and promoting it to those contacts we have in your area.
• Consider taking out a small advertisement in a local paper that neighborhoods in your area receive. Many cities have a complimentary newspaper that reports on activities around the city.
• Create a yer and share it with local schools, leave some at your local co ee shop or post it at local feed and pet stores.
STAY CONNECTED:
Some options...
• Consider making a registration table for visitors to be able to provide you their contact information and interests. Follow up!
• Pass out business/contact cards to visitors.
• Consider passing out Free Lesson certi cates to all those in attendance.
• If you are hosting an Experience Barn at an event, like a horse show, refer visitors to the Arabian Horse Promotional Fund Farm Finder if they are not from your area so they can nd an Arabian farm near them.
CharityHor se Show
The 53rd Annual All-Breed Carousel Charity Horse Show | March 28-31
Open to all breeds, including Arabians, Saddlebreds, Morgans, Friesians, etc., the English Pleasure All-Breed Jackpot is a high energy, fun filled, and exciting class sponsored by Paul Glans’ Coulter on Camelback, rewarding $1,300 cash to the champion and $700 cash to the reserve champion. Usually the largest class of the show, this year’s 20 entries were the pinnacle of the event, it being the last class of the Saturday night session and where typically the work off gets the crowd cheering for their favorites!
Of the Top Nine placings, five were Half-Arabians including the Champion HIGHER LOVE VH
Ex: Taryn Lundquist | O: Lesley & Jason Bush.
3rd - UNDENIABLE PFA
Ex: Rene Ramirez | O: Keystone Equestrian
6th - NUTCRACKERS QUEEN CAA
Ex: Austin Eversman | O: Ella Stoller
7th - SUPREME GLAMOR CRF
Ex: Rene Ramirez, Jr | O: Keystone Equestrian
8th - WP LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Ex: Josh Shino | O: Jennifer Glomski
REGION 7 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
April 29-May 5, 2024 | Scottsdale, AZ
Thank you to our Photo Sponsor
Scan the QR code to view and purchase more candid photos.
Photos by Alexis Kiesner & Kaylee Markonich
REGION 12 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW & SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY
April 30 - May 5, 2024 | Ocala, FL
Thank you to our Photo Sponsor
e Region 12 Championship Show in Ocala, Florida has become a "bucket list" item for many equestrians over the last few years following the change in venue to the World Equestrian Center. In 2024, numbers continued to grow with some classes totaling entries comparable to classes at U.S. Nationals; the sport horse arena was running until close to midnight some days and main ring classes required splits into sections on numerous occasions to accommodate the numbers.
From themed spirit days throughout the week to competitive team competitions, the show committee worked hard behind the scenes to make this year's event as fun and inclusive as possible for exhibitors, and an overwhelming amount of attendees participated daily with smiles on their faces.
Each year the show hosts Classic Egyptian classes on Saturday, with themed decor and pastries to welcome those joining the events taking place that day. Australian judge Ahlan Benjamin stood center ring this year to evaluate the beautiful entries presented under the Florida sunshine, and familiar faces from within the industry originating from various parts of the country traveled in to show their support.
In a time where some Regional shows are forced to take a step back and re-evaluate ways to increase show participation, the Region 12 Championship Show continues to ride a wave of excitement and enthusiasm within the industry that doesn't appear to be dying down any time in the near future. For those who have not yet had the privilege of attending the show and have the opportunity to do so, even if not to compete, the experience is di erent from anything you will nd throughout the year!
Scan the QR code to view and purchase more candid photos.
Photos by Meaghan Estes
REGION 9 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
May 28 - June 1, 2024 | Fort Worth, Texas
Thank you to our Photo Sponsor
Scan the QR code to view and purchase more candid photos.
Photos by Meaghan Estes
BUCKEYE SWEEPSTAKES
May 16-19, 2024 | Wilmington, OH
Thank you to our Photo Sponsor
Scan the QR code to view and purchase more candid photos.
Photos by Korrina Glenn
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY, PART III — AN UPDATE
In early 2024, AHT spoke with Peter Conway and Ralph Manning about the state of the Arabian horse industry. In an e ort to de ne and address the role of the Arabian Horse Association and turn the tide of declining registrations and memberships, AHT caught up with them again and have some updates on their progress.
On April 25, the Arabian Horse Promotional Fund hosted a Zoom call with 130 people in attendance to eld questions and provide more details about the proposed restructuring resolution. Following an introduction by Becky Nash, president of the Fund, Lisa Blackstone, Peter Conway, Mary Trowbridge and Ralph Manning spoke about more speci c details related to the group’s e orts to shift the structure of the Arabian Horse Association Board of Directors, a move they believe will help the organization become more nimble and able to adapt to the ever-changing industry.
In 1985, AHA was at its peak, boasting a record registration rate of 35,000 horses. Since then, numbers have steadily declined, with just 14,000 new registrations in 2000 down to a low of 2,000 in 2023.* While these numbers are startling, the group believes it is possible to turn things around, starting with a resolution to be proposed at this year’s convention.
e six key concepts that make up the group’s recommendation are as follows:
1. e 18 regional directors remain intact with similar duties and responsibilities with the new name of Regional Directors Council.
2. ere are no changes to the structure of Committees, Commissions and Delegates.
3. e new board members will be elected based on their requisite business experience combined with their knowledge of the Arabian horse industry. ey shall be laser-focused on the strategic plan of AHA and charged with reversing the downward trends within the industry.
4. e Board should have, in rare situations, the ability to modify Resolutions that threaten the welfare of the horse, the best interests of our members, the integrity of the sport, or implementation of the strategic plan. e Regional Council can veto such a modi cation with a majority vote.
5. e President, the Vice President, and three board members will be voted on by the entire membership, to give everyone a voice in the process.
6. e P.A.T. maintains proportional representation on the EC and the Board.
e group also answered questions regarding the proposed restructuring resolution, many of which been incorporated into their website, www.RestructuringResolution.org.
Some of the most frequently asked questions are as follows (for the complete list, visit the website):
What will a new structure accomplish?
We are failing to compete successfully in a 21st century world because we are using a 1950s playbook. We need a more agile, and responsive form of governance to facilitate innovation and growth. Improvements to this new structure will:
• Allow faster decision making and policy implementation
• Make leaders directly accountable to the membership
• Allow outcomes to be evaluated on the basis of measurable market results
Aren’t all breeds in a decline?
To a certain extent, but the Arabian breed has declined faster and farther. e decline is second only to the Tennessee Walking Horses, astoundingly. Many other breeds have already restructured their breed organizations. Other breeds are already innovating new events and approaches to promotion that are leaving us behind. Our organization must be able to respond quickly and decisively to external events. Our organization needs to encourage innovation and value creativity. We need a 21st century association that is accountable to its members for tangible results.
If this gets approved, then what? What is your vision?
Once restructured, we are optimistic that AHA will be positioned for success. e newly structured AHA will be able to:
• Unite our broad base of Arabian horse lovers.
• Revamp how the Arabian breed is perceived, highlighting their emotional intelligence, beauty and rich history.
• Innovate and transform our Arabian horse shows into “events” that are fun, rewarding, entertaining, educational and competitive experiences, appealing to participants and spectators alike.
• Develop the best horse registration in the world.
• Market the Arabian horse to potential buyers and signi cantly expand the community.
How will candidates for the board positions be determined?
Each candidate interested in running for a Board position shall complete a questionnaire promulgated by the Nominating Committee addressing, among other matters, the candidates’ experience, knowledge, and expertise in nancial matters, organizational skills, communication skills, and history of involvement and activities with the association; and be available for interview by the Nominating Committee either in person or digitally. e Nominating Committee shall forward all quali ed candidates.
What
are you asking us to support? What can we do?
A resolution to restructure AHA will be coming forward at the 2024 AHA convention in Reno, Nevada this November. We ask for your support. If you are a delegate, we ask for your vote. If you are not a delegate and support this measure, we ask that you become one. If you are a club member, we ask you to discuss this with your club members and ask your delegates to vote in favor.
Above and beyond that, however, we ask you to talk this over with your friends. Share this idea with as many other Arabian horse lovers as you can. When we come together to serve the Arabian horse, everyone wins.
Many industry professionals and amateur owners have come forward to demonstrate their support of this initiative. A sampling is below. To see all support, go to the Fund’s Facebook page.
“We need this change. We need to pull together, and I urge the delegates to vote for the restructuring resolution.”
—Wendy Gri th Potts
“I think the current board structure is antiquated and unwieldy and there are too many people involved to make timely decisions. e new proposed restructuring resolution would be much more nimble and e ective.”
—Bruce McCrea
We are in full support of the restructuring resolution. We feel like this is very important for our future and for AHA to adapt to our changing world so that every member can still have a voice.”
—Carmelle Rooker
My husband Zac and I support the restructuring resolution. We hope that others will get on board to ensure the future of the Arabian breed.”
—Lisa Powell
*Approximate annual registrations of purebred and Half-Arabian horses.
IN MEMORIAM
Miriam Eileen McGurran (1938-2024)
Miriam E. McGurran, age 85, of Woodbury, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
Miriam was an accomplished organist, former member of the St. Paul Civic Opera ballet, graduate in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota (1958), 30-year 3M employee (part time), line dancing instructor for the YMCA, horse enthusiast, brown belt in Karate, and an avid fan for all of her kids’ and grandkids’ sports, performances and activities. She was passionate about her Catholic faith and had a zest for life. She cared deeply for the defense of the unborn. She was a founding member of Saint Ambrose of Woodbury, active in RCIA, adoration, Ambrosians, various bible studies and faith development activities.
She is preceded in death by beloved husband Jon McGurran, father Herb Voracek, mother Eileen Voracek, daughter Maureen McGurran, grandson Trevor McGurran, great granddaughter Ava Liverseed and brothers Steve and Larry Voracek.
Miriam is survived by her seven loving sons Tim (Hui), Tom (Kathy), Mike (Eileen), Pat (Gretchen), Jim (Sue), Pete (Jami), and Dan (Nicki); grandchildren Jonny (Sarah), Tim Jr., Katie (Nick), Molly (Aaron), Connor (Renee), Briana (Patrick), Jim (Brittany), Jeff (Maddie), Chloe, Heather, Sarah, Lindsey, Charlie, Will, Jake (Carly), Lauren (Tyler), Jordyn, Jayde, Maggie, Lizzie, Joe, Eleanor, and Patrick; and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Zefyr+// (2002-2024)
On May 13, 2024, the breed lost one of western’s most iconic horses at 22 years old. Bred by Jen Mar Arabians, Zefyr (Sundance Kid V x Pesniar) was the first horse in history to win three consecutive U.S. National Champion Arabian Western Pleasure open titles in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and finished off his career in 2016 being named Reserve National Champion.
There were many qualities that Zefyr possessed that made him truly extraordinary, from an incredible work ethic and exceptional conformation resulting in flawlessly performed gaits, to having the sweetest disposition, that even kids could lead him around!
“I am so thankful and blessed for having the opportunity to have shown him!” says trainer, Jody Strand. “A special thank you to Laura Koch for giving me the privilege of presenting this once-in-a-lifetime horse to the Arabian world.”
Zefyr will go down in history as one of the greatest Arabian western horses ever.
GSF Rizing Son (2008-2024)
Bred by Nick and Juliet Carden, GSF Rizing Son (Apollopalooza x PWA Tusea, by HF Toluce) was quickly noticed by and purchased as a yearling by Boisvert Farms LLC where he was loved until his passing. The chestnut stallion’s talented bloodlines emerged quickly, earning him Regional championships in both English Pleasure Junior Horse and ATR before taking on the big talent at U.S. Nationals to win Reserve Champion AEPA $100,000 Saddle Seat Futurity, all at four years of age.
Recognizing his superiority, the Standishes moved him to the breeding barn where he further excelled as a sire of 84 registered progeny (55 of those graced with the suffix of BF), including National Champions Ballerina BF, Honey Badger BF, Rizing Heir BF, Miss Martini BF, Jean Laffitte BF, Money Talks BF, Chasing The Sun BF, Rizing Stock BF and Prized Son BF among others. Now his progeny will speak for him as they are loved by others and become foundations to numerous other breeding programs.
CANADA’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS & PREVIEW
Desoto Training Center ................................................................................78Youth (92)
E
R
S
F Freedman’s .....................................................................................................14Youth (28) Friends Of Vail..........................................................................................134Youth (148)
Frierson Atkinson 242
G Guimaraes, Brynlee ...................................................................................142Youth (156)
H Harris Show Horses....................................................................................88Youth (102) Hollywood Toi Foundation ................................................................15-23Youth (29-37) K
T
V
2024 CHESTNUT HALF-ARABIAN COLT Epoque Kiss NKF x Divinely Mine CRF
photo by Stuart Vesty
DIVINELY MINE CRF
(SF Aftershoc+ x Ames Divine) Representing 5 Generations of Cedar Ridge Royalty
2024 GREY FILLY
*Sharif Al Zobair x Padrona Ames
Proudly owned by Marino Arabians | Bred by Cedar Ridge
